Since the development of rocket technology in the early 20th century, it has become possible to send robots and humans above Earth’s atmosphere. Through exploration, humans have learned a great deal about the planets, stars, and other objects in space.
One example of a technological advancement that space exploration has enabled is satellites, which can gather information and communicate with scientists on Earth. They also help with a wide range of other applications, including navigation, communications, and meteorological monitoring.
Humans have made significant discoveries in the Solar System through space exploration: they have explored the mountains on the Moon, the phases of Venus, the main rings of Jupiter and Saturn, many comets, and asteroids, as well as the outer regions of the Solar System with missions to Mars, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. In addition, the International Space Station has been a home for astronauts from different countries working together to perform scientific experiments and research.
In the future, it may be possible to establish permanent space colonies on the Moon, Mars, other planets, and even asteroids. The Moon is a good candidate for this, as it could be used to test how humans can live off-world and provide a source of the oxygen needed to survive in space. NASA, Roscomos, China, India, and other agencies are currently recruiting partners to build a lunar base.
Space exploration is expensive; it takes millions of dollars to send a robotic mission into orbit and billions to send a crew of astronauts there. Nevertheless, there are a number of important reasons to pursue it.